Boston College vs Notre Dame

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Boston College and the University of Notre Dame?

  Boston College (BC) and the University of Notre Dame are both prestigious Catholic universities, but they have distinct characteristics. Notre Dame is located in a more self-contained campus environment in South Bend, Indiana, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition. Boston College, situated in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, offers a blend of a traditional campus feel with easy access to the vibrant city of Boston. Academically, both are strong, but Notre Dame is often perceived as having a slightly stronger emphasis on research, particularly in STEM fields, while Boston College excels in areas like law, business, and the humanities. In terms of campus culture, Notre Dame is known for its passionate sports culture, especially football, while Boston College, while also enthusiastic about sports, offers a broader range of extracurricular activities due to its proximity to a major city.

• How do the academic reputations of Boston College and Notre Dame compare?

  Both Boston College and Notre Dame hold excellent academic reputations. Notre Dame is generally considered to be slightly more research-focused, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields and a higher research expenditure. Boston College is highly regarded for its undergraduate teaching and programs in areas like law, business, education, and the humanities. Both universities attract highly qualified students and faculty, and a degree from either institution is highly respected.

• Which school is more selective: Boston College or Notre Dame?

  Notre Dame is generally considered slightly more selective than Boston College. Both universities have highly competitive admissions processes, but Notre Dame typically has a lower acceptance rate and a higher average SAT/ACT score for admitted students. However, the difference in selectivity is not vast, and both schools seek well-rounded students with strong academic records and extracurricular involvement.

• How do the campus environments and student life differ between Boston College and Notre Dame?

  Notre Dame offers a more traditional, self-contained campus environment where the university is the central focus of student life. This fosters a strong sense of community and tradition, with a heavy emphasis on residential life and campus activities. Boston College, while also having a strong campus community, benefits from its location near Boston. Students have easy access to the city's cultural attractions, internships, and social opportunities, providing a broader range of experiences outside of the university setting. Both schools have active student organizations, but Notre Dame's sports culture, particularly football, is exceptionally prominent.

• What are the strengths of Boston College and Notre Dame in terms of specific academic programs?

  Boston College is particularly strong in areas such as law, business (Carroll School of Management), education (Lynch School of Education and Human Development), nursing, and the humanities. Notre Dame excels in STEM fields, architecture, theology, and business (Mendoza College of Business). Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but these are areas where each institution is particularly well-regarded.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between Boston College and Notre Dame?

  The cost of attendance at Boston College and Notre Dame is comparable. Tuition, fees, and living expenses are generally in the same range. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students, and the net cost of attendance can vary significantly depending on a family's financial situation. It's best to consult the financial aid websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date information and to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.

• What are the career prospects like for graduates of Boston College and Notre Dame?

  Graduates from both Boston College and Notre Dame enjoy excellent career prospects. Both universities have strong alumni networks and career services departments that provide students with resources and support for internships, job placement, and career development. The specific career paths pursued by graduates often reflect the strengths of each institution's academic programs. Boston College graduates are well-represented in fields like law, finance, consulting, and education, while Notre Dame graduates find success in STEM fields, business, and non-profit organizations.

• How does the religious aspect of each university affect student life?

  Both Boston College and Notre Dame are Catholic universities, and their religious affiliation influences campus life. Both institutions offer opportunities for religious worship, spiritual development, and engagement with social justice issues. However, the level of religious observance and participation varies among students. While both universities welcome students of all faiths (or no faith), the Catholic identity is more visibly prominent at Notre Dame, with more frequent campus-wide religious events and traditions. Boston College, while maintaining its Jesuit values, may feel slightly less overtly religious to some students.

• What is the surrounding area like for each university?

  Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. This provides students with easy access to the city's cultural attractions, entertainment, and job opportunities. Boston offers a vibrant and diverse environment with a wide range of activities and experiences. The University of Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend is a smaller city, and the university is a major focal point of the community. While South Bend offers its own cultural and recreational opportunities, it is less urban and less diverse than Boston. The campus is more self-contained, and students tend to spend more time on or near campus.

• How do the alumni networks of Boston College and Notre Dame compare?

  Both Boston College and Notre Dame boast strong and active alumni networks. These networks provide graduates with valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and career support. Notre Dame's alumni network is particularly known for its loyalty and strong sense of community. Boston College's alumni network is also very strong, especially in the Northeast region and in specific industries like finance and law. Both networks are valuable resources for graduates seeking to advance their careers.